An Eastern Cape police officer was shot while responding to a robbery in progress at a post office on Wednesday.
SA Post Office national spokesperson Suzie Khumalo confirmed the robbery at the Ngqeleni post office.
The town is in the OR Tambo district, between Mthatha and Coffee Bay.
“We confirm that there was a robbery at Ngqeleni post office this morning. We are still busy with our internal investigation and will provide further information at a later stage,” Khumalo said.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said police were investigating a case of business robbery.
“On Wednesday, about 11.45am, police responded to a robbery in progress at Ngqeleni post office. On arrival, police were met with a hail of bullets. About seven suspects managed to steal an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing in a white Isuzu bakkie. A sergeant sustained a gunshot wound to the lower body and was rushed to hospital. Moments later, the getaway bakkie was found abandoned in Mabheshe village,” Kinana said.
He said a case of attempted murder had been added as a second charge.
Police urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the nearest police station. The information can also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
According to eyewitnesses the gang positioned themselves near the police station, near the Boxer Stores on the main street, and around the post office.
“It was like Ngqeleni was being attacked by the Russians. These guys were brandishing big guns and shooting everywhere. It is by God’s mercy that only one person, the police officer was shot. People were running in all directions. They took refuge in a shop. It was scary and I am still traumatised,” said witness Michael Ndamset.
“I ran for my dear life and left the town. I only come back in the afternoon when it was all over and quiet,” another witness, Xolisa Qabaa said.
The Ngqeleni robbery comes barely two months after three women employees of the Mbizana post office were shot dead.
Bongeka Nogoda, Luleka Mpambani, and Yamkela Zimase — all tellers at the Mbizana post office — were shot dead in KwaJaca village in Flagstaff while travelling to pay social grants in villages in the area on April 17.
Less than 24 hours later, the post office in Main Street, Flagstaff, was attacked and robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The slayings triggered a public outcry, with community leaders lashing out at the post office for its inadequate security.
In May, eight suspects — including a former soldier — were arrested after post office employees were robbed at gunpoint at a satellite pension payout outlet in KwaNdela village in Mbizana.
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